Dark by 5 pm — bike lights and reflectors in Germany: what you need

The clocks went back, and now it's night on the way home

Since the clocks went back an hour on the last weekend of October, German evenings have suddenly got short. In November the streets are already dim by 5 pm, and on the morning commute there's fog as well. At this time of year, there's one thing you hear more than anything else on the bike lanes: "Licht an!" (Lights on!) In Germany a bicycle is a full road user, so lights and reflectors are set out in law, in Section 67 of the StVZO (the road vehicle licensing regulations).

White at the front, red at the back

Every bike in Germany must have:

• Front: a white headlight (der Scheinwerfer) and a white reflector
• Back: a red rear light (das Rücklicht) and a red reflector (not a triangular one). The rear light and reflector can be one unit
• Pedals: yellow reflectors facing forwards and backwards
• Wheels: one of three options — white reflective strips on the tyres or rims, reflective clips on every spoke, or two yellow spoke reflectors per wheel (opposite each other)

Lights must carry the KBA approval mark (a wavy line, a "K" and a number). If you buy a very cheap light online, check for this mark first.

Battery lights and clip-on lights are fine

A dynamo, which makes power from the turning wheel, used to be standard, but today battery and rechargeable lights are allowed too. Clip-on lights you can take off are fine as well. You don't have to carry them during the day. But at dusk, in the dark, and when visibility is poor, such as in fog, they must be firmly fixed to the bike. A light in your pocket doesn't count. And flashing lights are not allowed, front or back. Rear lights that get brighter when you brake, and high-beam functions, are OK.

This is fine ✅	This is not ❌
rechargeable or battery lights	flashing mode
clip-on lights	riding in the dark with your lights in your bag
rear lights with a brake light function	a red light at the front, a white light at the back
lights with the KBA mark	lights without an approval mark

What if you ride without lights?

If you're stopped riding without lights in the dark or when visibility is poor, it costs €20. If you put someone in danger it's €25, and if it leads to an accident or damage to property it's €35. Scarier than the fine is the fact that nobody can see you. To a driver, a cyclist in dark clothes is almost invisible. A bright jacket, a reflective vest or reflective strips on your bag help a lot.

A 30-second check before you set off

Good winter cycling habits are simple: charge your lights before you head out in the evening, and when you set off, take one look to check both front and back are on. If a light is weak or a reflector is broken, drop by your local bike shop (Fahrradladen) before it gets dark. And if another cyclist is riding without lights, Germans will kindly tell them: "Dein Licht ist aus!" (Your light's off!)

Today's German words

Word	Meaning
das Fahrradlicht	bike light
der Scheinwerfer	headlight
das Rücklicht	rear light
der Reflektor	reflector
der Akku	rechargeable battery
die Dunkelheit	darkness

Tonight, charge your lights first. Gute Fahrt und Licht an! 🚲